Bob Sturm: Cowboys draft option Tyron Smith isn't a high risk

Bob Sturm, contributor to SportsDayDFW.com and co-host of BAD Radio on SportsRadio 1310 The Ticket in Dallas, answered questions about the Cowboys and the upcoming NFL Draft on Tuesday.

I know you blogged about Prince Amukamara's lack of INTs. In a sentence, how does that affect the Boys' decision to snag him if he's there?

Well, as you know, lack of interceptions is not always a great indicator of the play of a CB. But, my particular problems with Prince Amukamara are the following: He doesn't jump off the screen in the 5 Nebraska games I have watched this spring. In fact, he is part of a Nebraska secondary that seems to be oozing with talent. He plays a bit overconfident and falls for some elementary tricks. He doesn't return. He is not a great edge tackler. So, when you tell me he is a press corner who can shut you down, I need to see it at the college level. I don't. And, I don't believe the Cowboys are interested, either. He is not a bad player, mind you, but I think he is sort of a default choice at a default position. I think the Cowboys owe it to themselves to not go default that high in the draft.

Tyron Smith seems like a high risk/high reward type guy. The Boys need help on the OL, but can they afford to take a guy like that at No. 9?

I am not saying he is money in the bank or anything, but I don't see him as a high risk. The risks with Smith are that we hope he can gain weight. And we hope he can learn technique at the NFL level. Otherwise, there are not hopes. Your eyes see his ability to do what needs to be done for a RT, and I think his tools make him a rather safe pick. The downside is that he may require 24 months to put it all together. The rookie season could be way rougher than say, Gabe Carimi, but his 7th season should be way better than a finished product like Carimi.

Can you please use your exclusive press access to beg Jerry not to draft another offensive skill position player at No. 9?

I will tell you that the only offensive skill position that I hear any rumbling about is Ingram from Alabama. Surely, they would not take him at No. 9, but if they trade back, we should at least think about it. Ingram would, of course, be a declaration that they don't have a proper all-purpose back on the roster, which would be a bad sign for the Felix Jones camp. But, I really think the odds of a RB high are low and the odds of a QB and WR are non existent.

Thoughts on rumors that the Cowboys could trade down? Could they be acknowledging that they don't think much of the players projected to them (Amukamara) or that they need to focus on other needs (O-Line) that are projected later in the first round?

Bob Sturm:Trading down is an option that I am sure they would love. I also hear of several other teams that would love to move down, too - Washington for sure. So, you need a partner. That is why we look at two particular positions - QB and WR. Here is why you want those guys taken at 1-8 (Gabbart, Newton, Green, and Jones) - so that the good DE/OL/DT prospects get to you at No. 9. Here is why you don't want them to be taken at 1-8 - so you have teams calling you to move up and snag them. This is the draft day chess game that the Cowboys have to play and have to play right.

What's the feeling about Stephen McGee and his spot in the QB order? Who's first out if the Cowboys draft another? Kitna, McGee?

I think they still believe McGee has a chance to be something. I was not thrilled with the game plan in the final week of the season at Philadelphia because they went so vanilla that they did not learn much about McGee at all. I think they like his arm, love his toughness and leadership, and wonder if he will put it together at this level. He takes some chances and makes some plays, but you don't have time to develop a guy unless things are going really well up top. Kitna earned another year for his play in November and early December. He is very limited with his throws, but he really did a good job with what he has to work with. Although Miles Austin would disagree - since Kitna doesn't have the arm to use Austin in his best situations.

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